Harbor Freight 26" Tool Chest Availability?

[newtonsapple]

So I am in the market for a 26" tool chest and HF doesn't seem to have theirs listed. Did they discontinue it or is something else going on (new version coming?).

Otherwise what else should i look at in this price/size range? I am looking for a machinist style chest and the HF one seems to have a very good drawer size/layout for what I need (lots of small tools). The next closest I have found is this one:

Kobalt 2000 series
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-2000-Series-19-75-in-x-26-in-5-Drawer-Ball-bearing-Steel-Tool-Chest-Black/1000231411?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-ToolsAndHardware-_-ToolStorage-_-1000231411:Kobalt&CAWELAID=&kpid=1000231411&CAGPSPN=pla&store_code=2382&k_clickID=eff599c3-7560-47fe-a678-fa9904b82eeb&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1-fVBRC3ARIsAIifYOMIXR_OCSrDC-s9K2dWnrSkdfSP1hR8mmc5ZPLVvejbjImCDhOfQzIaAqHfEALw_wcB
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-2000-Series-40-75-in-x-26-5-in-5-Drawer-Ball-Bearing-Steel-Tool-Cabinet-Black/1000231415

 

[djcslice]

Looks like they removed it from their site. Probably getting the Series 2 update that the tool cart and 44" box received.

 

[thooks]

Where do you live? I could be talked into selling my like-new 26" Top and Bottom set....

 

[crewchief888]

if you want a machinists "style" chest, the ones you linked to aint it...

i see kennedy and CM machinists chest listed on local CL all the time.

 

[timmyisme22]

if you want a machinists "style" chest, the ones you linked to aint it...

i see kennedy and CM machinists chest listed on local CL all the time.

Kennedy's are overpriced as are the craftsman that actually have the machinist drawer (just a drawer for the machinist bible) and a few smaller drawers for bare tooling.

The HF 26" works great for machining. Fits more than the other people who were using Kennedy chests/tops, and that was just using the bottom. I am a hoarder as well, so I fit a hell of a lot in mine. I went through school fine and would've used mine for work had I needed a chest (I don't where I work).
It was listed just yesterday, so they really must be getting ready to replace it at the end of the month.

I can say I wished I had the 44", but I am a self proclaimed hoarder. The 26" does fit better between machines in a tightly packed shop though.

 

[qballky]

I just got a flyer from HF showing a red 8 drawer, 26 inch x 22 deep Series 2 roller cabinet. The flyer states a June 8 sale date.

Nothing on a matching Series 2 top chest yet. I'm hoping that the top chest is out by the 6/8/18 date. I am very happy with my 3 yr old 26 inch set. I will buy the new 26 inch x 22 inch Series 2, for additional storage.

 

[Mr_B]

^ wait for best coupons ...

 

[qballky]

The bottom was sale price $229 (regular $279).

I compare prices on $/Sq in of drawer space. The series 1 @$299 for the combo is $0.07/sq in.

The Series 2, bottom only @ $229 is also priced at $0.07/sq in, based on this reasoning the initial sale price seems reasonable.

 

[F451]

Is this the one you're talking about? 26" 16 drawer roller cabinet?

If so, I got an email recently showing it on sale, but when I went to do some research on it online it is not listed on their site. So I stopped by my local HF store and they had them in stock so I picked one up.

When they rang it up the price showed as $279, so that was a nice bonus.

Here's a link to the page that has the coupon if anyone needs it:

https://www.harborfreight.com/savings_coupons.html

-Ed

 

[qballky]

The one in your photo is what I would call Series 1. That is the 1st tool storage I bought from HF, and I like it.

There has been a recent tariff (not Trump related) which applies to some imported tool storage products. In order to avoid the tariff (my understanding) is that HF needed to redesign the 26 inch series 1 box using heaver gauge steel, and with a min depth of 21 inch, and a min weight based on width. (This tariff is discussed in other Garage Journal posts)

The 26 inch Series2 (note 22 depth vs 18), Roller cabinet is the only 26 inch piece I have seen. But I expect the top chest soon.

 

[newtonsapple]

The one in your photo is what I would call Series 1. That is the 1st tool storage I bought from HF, and I like it.

There has been a recent tariff (not Trump related) which applies to some imported tool storage products. In order to avoid the tariff (my understanding) is that HF needed to redesign the 26 inch series 1 box using heaver gauge steel, and with a min depth of 21 inch, and a min weight based on width. (This tariff is discussed in other Garage Journal posts)

The 26 inch Series2 (note 22 depth vs 18), Roller cabinet is the only 26 inch piece I have seen. But I expect the top chest soon.

Thanks for this update, this is exactly the info I was looking for. Interesting that they are selling as separates. The price has likely gone up to cover the increased size/gauge. The series 1 is likely still a very good deal (at $279).

 

[qballky]

I agree the "Series 1" is a good box at a great combo price around $300. I would buy it again. The inventory is being sold off now, and I don't think we will see them again. My local store is out.

For smaller garages the series 1 is a better fit, the Series2 will require almost 7 1/2 more inches floor space to pull out the drawer to full extension.

 

[Gerard]

I really wish they would have put a tall height drawer up top on the new 26". It would probably be enough total storage space for me now that it's 22" deep, but not having the standing-up-sockets drawer up top is probably a deal breaker for me.

I know that's kind of what the top box is for, but I wouldn't really need the top box and would rather not have it.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

The one in your photo is what I would call Series 1. That is the 1st tool storage I bought from HF, and I like it.

There has been a recent tariff (not Trump related) which applies to some imported tool storage products. In order to avoid the tariff (my understanding) is that HF needed to redesign the 26 inch series 1 box using heaver gauge steel, and with a min depth of 21 inch, and a min weight based on width. (This tariff is discussed in other Garage Journal posts)

The 26 inch Series2 (note 22 depth vs 18), Roller cabinet is the only 26 inch piece I have seen. But I expect the top chest soon.

Glad to see them selling this set separately this time around. I may make two of these bottoms into a workbench, like a mini version of the dual 44" HF box workbench so many have made.

 

[qballky]

Gerard,
The 26 inch Series1, and I hope Series2, is made with attach points for the drawer sliders at every inch. I have not rearranged my Series1 but will likely do so on a Series2 I plan on buying.

 

[DEMAYO]

Has anyone rearranged the drawers in the first generation box?


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Gerard]

Gerard,
The 26 inch Series1, and I hope Series2, is made with attach points for the drawer sliders at every inch. I have not rearranged my Series1 but will likely do so on a Series2 I plan on buying.

That's a really awesome feature. If the series 2 has the same setup, it will definitely be a consideration for me.

 

[Wanna Ride]

I was on the HF site today, and couldn't find the 56" top chest anywhere.

 

[Gerard]

I was on the HF site today, and couldn't find the 56" top chest anywhere.

A whole bunch of the toolboxes have been removed from the site in preparation for the new series 2 versions. It seems like it might be a while longer before all of the series 2 models are available, though.

Some people have been able to get good deals on the remaining series 1 stuff in stores, so that's worth a try if you want a series 1 top box to match a series 1 bottom. Once they're gone from the stores, that will be the last of the series 1 stuff.

 

[newtonsapple]

So I just called my Harbor Freight. I was actually doing a quick check to see if anyone had a series 1 in stock. They said they had none in stock, but were expecting 26" series 2 this week.

Take this with a grain of salt as who knows the quality of the info I am getting over the phone.

I would still like to find a series 1 in the southern nh/ metro boston area.

I actually need 2 of these in different places, so one of each would be good.

 

[Zexx]

Any thoughts on bolting this series 2 to the side of their 72 as a side cab?

 

[newtonsapple]

Any thoughts on bolting this series 2 to the side of their 72 as a side cab?

I could see attaching them together to keep them perfectly lined up in a non-mobile setup.

As far as removing the wheels from the 26" and mounting it, that would likely be a bit much if you are going to fill it up. It might work if you don't fill it with really heavy tools. The whole setup is a going to be a lot to move.

Seems like a new side cabinet should be coming.

 

[qballky]

My Opinion:
The 26" box (series 1 or series 2) is designed to have support at 4 corners.

If you cantilever it off another box I would expect the 26 to sag, making the sliders not work well.

If you keep casters on the "outboard " side of the 26 (and your floor is level), or you provide other support for the "outboard "side then it would be just fine.

 

[newtonsapple]

Well the new ones are out.

https://www.harborfreight.com/catal...campaign=usgens2_052018cid=usgens2_top_052018

After all the waiting, I am sitting here wondering if they are going to come out with it in black...

 

[Motorman55]

From what I can tell from the pics, looks like all the handles on the 26" boxes now match the whole line-up of HF boxes and Carts?

True? Anyone seen the full line of new boxes in person yet?

 

[belvedere]

I got an email tonight with coupons for the new 26" boxes. Looks like the top and bottom boxes are sold separately.

 

[Motorman55]

New Coupons for the new 26" boxes.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Went to one of the stores near me yesterday. They had a series 1 26 inch display model that was missing the bottom key and the bottom drawers were locked. Nothing else was wrong with it. I got that, plus a magnetic glove/tissue box holder and a 2 year membership to ITC for less than $250 out the door. Took me 10 minutes to pick the lock on the bottom cabinet once I got home. Ordered a new lock for $6. Looks and works like new. As a bonus, once I unlocked the bottom drawers, there was a new package of 2 part epoxy in one of the drawers.

 

[Musicinabottle]

New Coupons for the new 26" boxes.

That's about what I paid for my used Mac. Only my money didn't go to china. Those do look like one hell of a decent box for the money though. Even I'm impressed, even if I'd never buy one.

 

[kctyphoon]

That's about what I paid for my used Mac. Only my money didn't go to china. Those do look like one hell of a decent box for the money though. Even I'm impressed, even if I'd never buy one.

Pic of the new box here btw.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=391867

 

[Musicinabottle]

Bugs you, don't it?

Yeah, I'm stubborn as truck and will NEVER give in. I'm an oak, and I like me.

 

[qballky]

I picked up my 26x22 bottom cabinet today. I like my series 1 26 inch box, and I like this new series 2. The extra depth is nice. It comes with paper strips to make labels for the drawer handles, a little something I did not expect.

Mine only locks if the bottom drawer is pulled out 1/2 inch. A little quirk I can deal with, since I seldom lock my boxes. Unlike the series 1 there are no extra mounting slots for the sliders, so rearranging drawers is not really practical.

Bottom line - happy with the purchase, I still think these HF boxes are a great value.

 

[Gerard]

I picked up my 26x22 bottom cabinet today. I like my series 1 26 inch box, and I like this new series 2. The extra depth is nice. It comes with paper strips to make labels for the drawer handles, a little something I did not expect.

Mine only locks if the bottom drawer is pulled out 1/2 inch. A little quirk I can deal with, since I seldom lock my boxes. Unlike the series 1 there are no extra mounting slots for the sliders, so rearranging drawers is not really practical.

Bottom line - happy with the purchase, I still think these HF boxes are a great value.

Strange about the lock issue. I got the new 26x22 a couple weeks ago and my lock seems to work fine with the drawers fully closed. Overall it seems very solid but every drawer does have a bit of "wiggle" in a unique way.

I felt like the drawer arrangement would be a deal breaker at first, but I went for it anyway and I'm fine with it. As much as I'd love a nice socket drawer up top, it's not a big deal for my occasional home usage, and with most of the weight in the middle to bottom drawers, I know it's not going to tip over or anything.

 

[Mr_B]

Mine only locks if the bottom drawer is pulled out 1/2 inch. A little quirk I can deal with, since I seldom lock my boxes. Unlike the series 1 there are no extra mounting slots for the sliders, so rearranging drawers is not really practical.

Bottom line - happy with the purchase, I still think these HF boxes are a great value.

Pull drawer out and either reposition/bend latch point on drawer or latch on the locking bar and you likely resolve the issue .

bit of a shame slide slots not full position stamped, options of swapping drawer layout and other customization was easier with that feature .
You gain and loose in any budget box revisions as they alway tight on the manufacturing costs so pennies saved at every easy option .